Question
hi there,

i bought a hibiscus plant just 8 days ago. It was lush, full of deep green leaves and lots of buds. It is in a 9 - 10" drained pot. I placed in a southwesterly facing window, and it receives about 2 1/2 hours of direct sunlight that is broken up by shadows on the window pane. i am in an apartment and this window receives the most amount of light in my place.

about 2 days ago, i noticed the leaves started to droop a bit. i misted some water on them. now about 1/3rd of the tree's leaves have turned yellow, mainly the older leaves. it is still budding and blooming, however the blooms only stay open for a day, then fold up and drop off the next. i water it every morning and make sure the soil is not sopping wet.

this is my first hibiscus plant, and i'm not sure what to do to keep it healthy.

any help would be greatly appreciated!

thanks!

Answer
Hi Tasha,

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Thank you
Will Creed






Hi Tasha,

From your description of the light, I don't think that light is a problem for your Hibiscus.

Drooping, yellow leaves are more often a sign of improper watering. In this case, I suspect that you are keeping the soil too moist.

Did you move the Hibiscus into its present pot or was it moved into that pot just before it was sold to you? I am concerned that recent repotting may be a major part of the problem. If so, please let me know.

A Hibiscus in a pot as large 1s 9-10 inches should have enough soil to be able to retain moisture for about a week. Daily watering is much too frequent. You didn't indicate how much you are applying each day, so I cannot fully assess what is happening. When you add the water, does any run out of the bottom drainage holes?

If properly potted, you should water your Hibiscus when the top inch of soil feels dry. You have to poke your finger down about an inch to make this determination. When it has reached that level of dryness, then water it thoroughly until some water runs through the drainage holes. It should take about a week or so until the soil gets appropriately dry once again.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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